Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare an
Oral Rehydration Salts ORS solution at home? If ORS packets are not available, mix an oral rehydration solution
using one of the following recipes; depending on ingredients and container
availability:

Recipe for Making a 1 litre ORS solution using Sugar, Salt and Water

Clean Water - 1 litre - 5 cupfuls (each cup about 200 ml.)

Sugar - Six level teaspoons

Salt - Half level teaspoon

Stir the mixture till the sugar dissolves.

The home-made solution is adequate in most causes. If the diarrhoea is
severe, ask your chemist for a special packet of Oral Rehydration Salts. Follow the
instructions on the packet carefully. Drink sips of the ORS (or give the ORS solution to the conscious
dehydrated person) every 5 minutes until urination becomes normal. (It's normal to urinate
four or five times a day.) Adults and large children should drink at least 3 quarts or litres of
ORS a day until they are well. If you are vomiting, continue to try to drink the ORS. Your body will
retain some of the fluids and salts you need even though you are vomiting. Remember to take sips of liquids slowly. Chilling the ORS may help. If you have diarrhea, continue to drink the ORS. The fluids will not
increase the diarrhea. Someone with symptoms of severe dehydration needs to go to an emergency
room or other health care facility to get intravenous fluids (fluids given directly into
the veins through a needle) if possible. If able to drink, he or she should also drink the
ORS. During or after treatment of dehydration, whatever is causing the
diarrhea, vomiting, or other symptoms should also be treated.